PCI-E Connector Damaged by Power Supply Unit
PCI-E Connector Damaged by Power Supply Unit
Last night while I was playing some video games my monitors went black but my PC was still functioning, I know because I was on discord and was still having a conversation with someone even after my screens went black. I restarted and things seemed fine but as soon as I booted into the game my screens went black again. So I restarted again but this time the screens went black as soon as I was signing into my computer. Then I restarted again and nothing came on screen at all but I could hear the Windows boot sound. So I plugged my monitor into integrated graphics and things seemed fine but my graphics card wasn't found when checking system information.
So I checked the connections and all that and checked the PSU connection thinking maybe something came loose. Checking that the PCIE connector from my GPU to PSU was fried. The connectors to the graphics card seemed fine, but where the cable connects to the PSU was melted on a couple of pins.
Here is a pic of the connector
Well, I saw that and got another cable and plugged it into another section of my power supply and things booted up fine and my graphics card is detected in system information. I haven't tried running it on a load or anything, but in terms of just windows browsing everything seems fine.
So... at the very least I assume I should replace my power supply. But the reason I'm posting is I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is anything else I should check. Could this have actually been a GPU issue, like if I replace my PSU could I potentially fry another connector on that one as well? I'm not sure if there are logs to check or anything like that. Or will PSU replacement most likely be fine?
I notice you're using a Seasonic X-series PSU. Could you confirm the part number? It could be SS-xxxKM or SS-xxxKM3, or if you have a unit over 1kW, it might be SS-xxxXM/XM2.
The X-series was one of the top PSUs when it launched (KM in 2009 and KM3 in 2012). Nowadays, it's considered outdated and not at its peak performance.
I also have another question: When did you purchase your PSU? Were you buying a new one or something used/refurbished?
I think the GPU issue shouldn't be a problem since you're using an older PSU. It's likely just showing age. Also, connector issues on the PSU side are uncommon.
Based on what I understand, replacing the PSU should be straightforward. Retiring your reliable unit would also be a smart move.
KM3 was introduced in 2012 and included a seven-year warranty. On the positive side, it's good to notice that PSU models lasted around ten years, but it's also understandable that Seasonic units generally exceed their warranty timelines (as Seasonic PSUs are recognized for their durability). Your PSU is still functional, just with one connection damaged. Still, it's wise not to keep using the older model that had a problem.
For newer PSU options, Seasonic is worth considering. Currently, the Focus lineup sits in the mid-range, while PRIME models are positioned higher up. However, when comparing Seasonic against other brands, the Focus series is also considered high-end, whereas the PRIME lineup is often seen as exceptional.
I personally use Seasonic PSUs. I began with the S12II-520 (Skylake architecture) and the M12II-850 EVO (Haswell). Both were retired around 2015/2016, and now I'm running: PRIME 650 80+ Titanium [SSR-650TD] (Skylake), PRIME Ultra 650 80+ Titanium [SSR-650TR] (Haswell) and Focus+ 550 80+ Platinum [SSR-550PX] (AMD build, with full specifications and photos in my profile).
Both of my PRIME units were the top 650W PSUs available at the time. They remain among the best (and possibly the best) on the market. Interestingly, the Seasonic PRIME series stands out as the only one globally offering a 12-year warranty. In contrast, competitors like Corsair, EVGA, and Be Quiet! typically provide no more than a ten-year warranty.
I believe another PSU should be acceptable, though nothing is guaranteed. But this one is different. After such actions, you wouldn't rely on it again outside of simple tests like checking a custom water loop without being plugged into a PC. I'm not suggesting it's safe to use while idle, but it should go to a recycling center. This equipment is meant for safety—would you trust a pacemaker that didn’t work when needed? If your brakes failed at an intersection, would you blame a coincidence and drive cautiously?
Thanks a lot for your assistance! I plan to place an order for a new PSU right now and won’t use my desktop until it gets here. Honestly, it might be a good opportunity to take a break from technology.